— Summary of Roundtable COVID-19 Discussion with Restaurant Call 3/21/2020 —
Council Member Theresa Coates Ellis C: (571)247-6729 E: Theresa@ManassasTogether.com
Council Member Ian Lovejoy
Council Member Candidate Lynn Forkell Green
In response to several restaurant owners inquiring about communication and resources from the local government after the State of Virginia was declared in a State of Emergency, Lynn Forkell Greene set up a call and invited Manassas City Council members Theresa Coates Ellis and Ian Lovejoy. The call was set up and notice posted on facebook.
Public health and safety is the number one concern.
The overall concerns by the restaurant owners were staying open, cash flow, supporting staff, and adhering to 10 patron guidelines with 10 people inside and outside on patio.
The City of Manassas has 1,500 Business Licenses with 100-125 Restaurants, including franchises.
Ideas for Solutions:
Unemployment: Encourage employees to file forms, if necessary, for a less than 1 week payout at maximum $375 per week until the emergency is over. http://www.vec.virginia.gov/
Communication:
ChooseManassas website portal for one resource for businesses and one for residents published on Monday that includes all credible links for health and safety, business resources during this emergency, friendly lenders, guest delivery and curb-side pick up,
Email Richmond representatives with concerns and opinions for action.
dellcarter@house.virginia.gov
district29@senate.virginia.gov
Spanish speaking resources – websites have language options – staff available. Leave detailed message by calling City Hall 703-257-8211 and speak to LeeAnn.
Sign up for Choose Manassas Economic Development newsletter and social media
Text alerts for COVID-19: Text “CityHealth” to 888-777
Continue to send updates to Debbie Haight for HMI website. Debbie@historicmanassasinc.org
Resources:
Small Business free assistance with unemployment, loans, advice:
George Mason: https://masonsbdc.org/
Score Business Mentoring: https://www.score.org/find-mentor
City of Manassas: http://www.cityofmanassas.gov
Center for Disease Control: https://www.CDC.gov
State of Virginia: https://www.virginia.gov/
Va. Department of Health: http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/prince-william/
Funds:
State: $1.8 billion in rainy day fund in Virginia
Federal: SBA Disaster loans for maximum $2 million per business 30 years 3 ¼% starting at $25,000 and takes 4-6 weeks to receive funds – require a lot of documentation.
$1,200 proposed immediate cash based on 2018 returns with income limitations.
Loans:
American Express Loans – $100,000 to $250,000 for 7.3% not compounded. Options include deducting $429 per day or $7,300 annually.
Bill White, Apple Credit, open line of credit. Contact soon for availability
Gary Jones, Fauquier Bank, Manassas
540-347-2700
Apple Federal Credit Union Line of Credit
Mortgages:
Bank of America temp. deferral – commercial mortgages
Taxes:
Federal extensions to June 15 – Check with your accountant.
Possible penalty and interest waiver for local and meal taxes. – to be discussed Monday.
Possible meals tax abatement – “a citizen relief”
Discuss tax rate
Work with landlord with best discretion
Possible tax suspension / delay / waiver in penalties & fees
Economic Development Authority role – grants and investment.
Clarification on 10 people inside and outside (gray area) (enforcement)
Next steps/Action Items:
• Emergency City Council Mtg Monday 3/23 5:30pm – possible limit to 10 people
• City Portal: ChooseManassas launches Monday 3/23 by evening (requested additional links be added)
• Facebook live with Ian Lovejoy on Sunday, March 22nd at 6pm
• Zoom call Tuesday, March 24th at 9:00 am. Message Theresa Coates Ellis or Lynn Forkell Greene on facebook to join.